An Arts DuPage grant is helping adults with memory loss reconnect, engage, and thrive.

Once a week at ESSE’s adult day care centers, something remarkable happens. Music begins to play and, suddenly, those who often struggle to speak or remember names start to sing. Some smile. Others tap their feet. More get up and dance. For a moment, the fog of memory loss clears—and music reaches their hearts.

Thanks to a grant from the Martha J. Johnson Fund of DuPage Foundation through our Arts DuPage grant program, ESSE is bringing the power of music to its participants.

“By incorporating music, we bring enjoyment to our seniors,” said Cathy Davit, executive director of ESSE. “The benefits of music are phenomenal.”

ESSE—short for Ecumenical Support Services for the Elderly—has been part of the DuPage County community since 1982. What began as a program at the Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn has grown to three locations serving older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive and physical challenges in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Aurora. Participants come for the day, receiving care, companionship, and activities while their family caregivers get a much-needed break.

Memory, Movement, and Melodies

ESSE used its Arts DuPage grant to hire a certified music therapist who visits each center weekly. The sessions include singing, instruments, piano music, and more.

“For those seniors who have difficulty expressing their thoughts, they easily recall all the words to their favorite songs,” said Davit. “They’re up dancing, and they engage in music in a special way. It makes quite a difference.”

For some families, music day has become the highlight of the week. Some even plan their schedules around it because of how much joy it brings to their loved ones.

“It’s a form of sensory stimulation,” Davit said. “Some (of the participants) have a hard time remembering their personal relationships, but they sit there and sing songs.”

With support from more than 30 local churches, ESSE offers a full day of activities, including breakfast, newspaper discussions, socialization, exercises, crafts, games, and hot lunch. But music holds a special place.

“Music seems to be an effective cue for our seniors, bringing back positive memories from their lives.” Davit said. “It engages the brain in a way that’s different from anything else. It’s amazing to see the enjoyment on their faces, the smiles. That is why music is so special.